When the blood pressure in your body is too high, it is referred to as hypertension. Blood pressure level keeps fluctuating throughout the day. Sometimes you can get confused about your blood pressure reading and not understand if it needs to be addressed. This blog can help you understand your blood pressure readings.
High blood pressure is a severe disease. A person suffering from hypertension must seek immediate medical help. To find the best treatment for hypertension in West New York, you can contact The Doctor’s House.
Table of Contents
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is created by the force of blood pushing against the artery walls. Hypertension is a prevalent condition. Fifty percent of the adult population in America has high blood pressure.
When should you see a doctor for hypertension?
Even though it is a common condition, it is still a serious one. Hypertension usually does not show any symptoms. However, if it is left unnoticed and untreated for a long while, it can be fatal.
Blood pressure is determined by measuring the amount of blood your heart pumps and blood flow resistance into your arteries. The unit to measure blood pressure level is millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure readings have two values:
- Systolic blood pressure (top number)- when the heart beats and pumps blood into your blood vessels.
- Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number)- when the muscles of our heart relax.
Blood pressure readings come in pairs, with the top number followed by the bottom number.
The blood pressure of a healthy person is less than 120/80 mmHg, while the blood pressure of a person suffering from hypertension would be above 140/90. In severe cases, it can go more than 180/120.
Therefore, if you see a reading of more than 140/90, you should immediately consult your doctor. Untreated hypertension can result in heart disease and stroke.
To avoid hypertension, you must keep visiting your doctor and regularly check your blood pressure level. For people under 18, they should check blood pressure levels every two years. People who are above 40 or between the ages of 18 to 39 and have a high risk of hypertension should go for a checkup every year.
If you are unable to go to the doctor, you can get free checkups at a health resource fair or buy a blood pressure monitor at your local pharmacy. These machines are affordable, and you can check your blood pressure level at home as often as you want.
Symptoms
There are no apparent symptoms of hypertension. However, you can look out for some effects of severe blood pressure.
- Chest pain
- Blood in the urine
- Nosebleed
- Pounding in your chest, nose, and ears
- Vision problems
- Severe headaches